Cytologic features of lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: two preoperatively diagnosed cases based on fine-needle aspiration.

We describe the cytologic features seen in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens from two cases of preoperatively diagnosed lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC) of the pancreas. Pancreatic LEC is a rare, true cyst of uncertain histogenesis that may clinically and radiologically mimic a pseudocyst or cystic neoplasm. Both our patients were middle-aged men who presented with vague abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a mass in or around the pancreas, and CT-guided percutaneous FNA (patient 1) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA (patient 2) yielded paste-like yellow-gray material. Cytologic smears showed numerous anucleated squamous cells in a background of keratinous and amorphous debris. A few benign nucleated squamous cells and plate-like cholesterol crystals were also seen. Unlike LEC of the head and neck region, only rare lymphocytes and histiocytes were present. Pancreatic LEC was diagnosed based on these cytologic findings and was histologically confirmed following cyst enucleation (patient 1) and partial pancreatectomy (patient 2). We conclude that preoperative FNA and recognition of the characteristic cytologic pattern will enable conservative surgical management of pancreatic LEC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:346-350.

In search of specimen adequacy in fine-needle aspirates of nonpalpable breast lesions.

Pathology-related medical malpractice claims frequently concern fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) of breast lesions, and diagnostic errors have been attributed in part to the inadequacy of the specimens. Cytologic criteria for adequate FNA specimens, specifically in cases without malignancy, have not been clearly defined. From January 1988, to August 1995, 669 ultrasonographic-guided FNAs of nonpalpable, solid breast lesions with subsequent histologic examination were performed at our institution. From these, 54 cases with cytologic diagnoses of insufficient or nonspecific benign findings were identified. All aspirates were reviewed, and the number and size of the epithelial cell groups were quantitated in each case. By using criteria for adequate aspirates of palpable breast lesions (six or more epithelial cell groups per case with a minimum of 5-10 cells per group), 23 of the 54 aspirates were deemed inadequate and 31 adequate. Eleven (48%) of the inadequate aspirates and 17 (55%) of the adequate aspirates were from histologically confirmed carcinomas (ductal carcinoma in situ, 6; invasive carcinoma, 22, of which 12 were ductal, 7, lobular, and 3, mixed ductal and lobular). For the mammographic diagnoses "probably benign," "indeterminate," and "suggestive of malignancy or malignant," the probability of malignancy in aspirates of adequate cellularity (eg, > 6 epithelial groups) was 9%, 40%, and 93%, respectively. These findings indicate that a significant proportion of breast aspirates still may yield false-negative results despite adequate to high cellularity. Although a definition of adequacy based on cellularity is useful in reducing false-negative results, cellularity alone cannot be relied on in the management of nonpalpable lesions. For mammographic findings that are indeterminate or suggestive of malignancy or malignant, nonspecific FNA findings should be followed by core or excisional biopsy to exclude carcinoma.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of ovarian cysts in in vitro fertilization patients: a study of 125 cases.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of ovarian cysts, especially in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients, has been only rarely reported. The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum of cytological findings seen in FNA specimens of 125 ovarian cysts obtained from 84 IVF patients at our institution from 1989-1993. The Papanicolaou-stained slides made following cytocentrifuge or membrane-filter preparation were reviewed blindly by two independent pathologists, and the consensus diagnoses were compiled and correlated with clinical and radiological findings as well as surgical pathology when available. Eight aspirates derived from 4 different patients contained neoplastic cells and, of these, one patient was later found to have a serous cystadenocarcinoma of low malignant potential, while another had a serous cystadenoma. The other 2 patients with neoplastic cells in their ovarian aspirates have persistent ovarian cysts that are being followed clinically for preservation of fertility. The breakdown of the cytological diagnoses of the other aspirates is as follows: 30 follicular cysts, 5 corpus luteum cysts, and 16 endometriotic cysts. The exact underlying nature of 66 cysts could not be determined as the aspirates consisted of foamy macrophages only. This study demonstrates that the nature of ovarian cysts in IVF patients can be determined in many cases by their cytological features, information that may help in defining an unsuspected cause for infertility (such as endometriosis), and in choosing the most appropriate therapy. This study also illustrates that FNA cytology of ovarian cysts can play a role in the detection of occult ovarian neoplasms in the IVF patients population.

Cytopathology and ultrastructure of primary rhabdoid tumor of lung.

This case report presents the light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and ultrastructure of the first unequivocal extrarenal rhabdoid tumor occurring in lung. Smears and cell blocks prepared from a fine-needle aspiration biopsy show the cytopathological features of this unusual neoplasm, in this case presenting in a 74-year-old male. Electron microscopy of the surgically resected circumscribed pulmonary mass assisted in establishing the diagnosis by demonstrating the considerable accumulation of cytoplasmic intermediate filaments that characterize cells in extrarenal rhabdoid tumor and account for the hyaline "inclusion" in this particular lesion.

Severe immune thrombocytopenia and the development of skin infarctions in a patient with an overlap syndrome.

A 49-year-old woman with clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's and the antiphospholipid syndromes developed severe immune thrombocytopenia and skin infarctions. Both complications responded to immunosuppressive agents.